German FM says Iran nuclear talks 'encouraging'

ABU DHABI - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Saturday that ongoing negotiations between world powers and Iran over its disputed nuclear program have been "encouraging".

His remarks in Abu Dhabi come ahead of a new round of talks in mid-June between Iran and the P5+1 powers of Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany.

"Regardless of the general situation which makes cooperation between the US and Russia difficult in some areas at the moment, the negotiations on the Iranian issue have certainly gone further," he said.

"In recent weeks and months they were so encouraging that we maintained a chance of reaching an agreement," he added, after talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan. (AFP)